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Parks superintendent reports storm cleanup, staffing shortfalls and splash-pad work as summer approaches
Summary
Parks Superintendent Carl Malone told the Muncie Parks and Recreation Board that staff remain focused on storm cleanup and park repairs, seasonal hiring begins in May and splash pads will start when weather allows; restroom and sewer problems persist at several sites.
Carl Malone, superintendent of Muncie Parks and Recreation, briefed the board on storm damage cleanup, staffing gaps and preparations for splash pads and pools ahead of the summer season.
Malone said park crews have spent recent weeks cutting and removing downed trees after a storm, with two trees still down at McCullum Park and continued debris hauling. He said staff have been working “pretty busy” clearing damaged trees and debris across parks.
The department is short-staffed, Malone said, noting three vacant positions and one employee on extended medical leave expected to return in late summer; seasonal hires usually begin around May 1 and run through Labor Day. “We usually hire right around May 1 to about September,” Malone said.
Malone reported splash pads will be started as weather allows: Riverview and Thomas park splash pads have parts on site and will undergo pre-startup testing. He said contractors Jaybird have connected main water lines at Thomas so staff can turn water on once testing is complete. He also said Riverview’s permanent restroom installation is delayed; his last update was that the city engineer needed to bid the project and that contractors stood ready to complete plumbing once the schedule is set.
At T. U. I. (Tui) Park, Malone said community development funded replacement of the old bathhouse roof and staff are completing interior work ahead of a May 6 pre-startup inspection. He expects pool pre-startup with contractor Bud and Bon barring any leaks.
Malone flagged a recurring sewer problem at the West Side softball field restroom: parts were replaced last year but the feeding line likely needs an overall repair. Jaybird has quoted a larger repair; Malone called it a “major job” on the main sewer feeding the restroom building.
Board members raised vandalism at Cooley Park restrooms after a recent malicious incident. Malone and board members discussed using more robust temporary facilities, heavier-duty porta-potties or passing costs to neighborhood groups to reduce repeated damage. Malone said porta-potties were in place temporarily and that staff are reviewing security and camera options.
Asked about hiring and seasonal staffing, Malone said city HR is actively processing applications and the department hopes to fill vacancies before peak season.
The board asked clarifying questions and Malone agreed to provide updates on the Riverview restroom bidding timeline and on the sewer repair quote for West Side facilities.
